UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk to Visit Sri Lanka on June 23
10-Jun-2025.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from June 23 to June 26.
During his stay, he is expected to hold high-level discussions in Colombo with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.
The High Commissioner will also meet with Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, representatives of minority parties, and human rights activists to assess progress on accountability and reconciliation efforts.
As part of his itinerary, Mr. Türk will travel to Jaffna and Mullaitivu, where he will observe ground conditions firsthand and meet with families of persons who were forcibly disappeared during the civil war.
He will conclude his visit with a press briefing in Colombo.
This visit comes at a crucial time, as a new resolution against Sri Lanka is expected to be tabled during the September session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The upcoming resolution, reportedly led by the United Kingdom, is aimed at international accountability mechanisms for alleged serious human rights violations, particularly those during the final phase of the civil conflict.
International sources indicate that several UN member states and international organizations with special consultative status are backing the resolution.
In response, the Sri Lankan government has initiated dialogues with friendly nations in an effort to manage the growing international pressure.
Key international concerns include the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, establishing accountability for enforced disappearances, investigating alleged war crimes, and ensuring non-recurrence.
The High Commissioner's visit is also intended to review the commitments made by Sri Lanka in Geneva.
A comprehensive written report evaluating both the progress and delays in Sri Lanka's accountability measures is expected to be submitted in September.
